Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS

On this page, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus TG-820 iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and both of them are created by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and TG-820 iHS (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") provide different sensor size.

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The E-PL9 was unveiled 6 years later than the TG-820 iHS and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a complete comparison, here is a short view of how the E-PL9 grades against the TG-820 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus TG-820 iHS. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL9 features physical measurements of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-820 iHS has sizing of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL9 versus Olympus TG-820 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the E-PL9 and the TG-820 iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL9 and TG-820 iHS is 85 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by viewing specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL9 and TG-820 iHS.

All in all, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL9 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Olympus E-PL9 will result in greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PL9 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.